Jesse Cloninger and The Jazz Kings open the 2016-17 season with a survey of Duke Ellington's massive output during the first half of his career, from The Washingtonian years in the mid-20s and his rise to fame at The Cotton Club, through the Depression and World War II, encompassing both the Jazz and Swing eras. Look for such unforgettable gems as "East St. Louis Toodle-Oo", "Mood Indigo", "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)", "Creole Love Call", "Cottontail", "Rockin' In Rhythm", "Caravan", "KoKo", and "Take The 'A' Train", among many others.

This concert is eligible for The Shedd's Free Shedd Jazz Student Ticket program, which makes a limited number of free tickets to 2016-17 Shedd jazz concerts available to students elementary through college. The program is made possible by a grant from Chamber Music America and Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, and Friends of Jazz at The Shedd. Contact The Shedd Ticket Office for information.